Reptile sand?

[jess_w]

We ran out of chinchilla sand and I have been to two pet shops today but strangely both were sold out, and my chins really needed a sand bath. My boyfriend had the idea of going to a reptile shop across the road... he's bought a bag of greyish coloured reptile sand, it looks to be a similar consistency to the chinchilla sand we normally use, but does anyone know if it is suitable? I'm a bit dubious about using it without knowing.

It would only be for one time and then we'd get some of the proper stuff when it's back in stock later this week. What do you think?

 

[ticklechin]

I know some cheaters who showed white chins used corn starch as dust bath.

 

[alli713]

I'm not too familiar with the UK, but can you not find chinchilla dust there? Dust works a lot better than sand at getting the grease out.

 

[peachydays]

I would just wait until the chinchilla sand is back in stock. Going a week without a dust bath won't be harmful to them.

 

[ChinnyMom]

i'd wait as well. they'll be fine for a week, even though they may look a tad greasy at the end.

to keep them from getting even more greasy, try not to pet them too much, as the oils from your hands transfers to the fur.

 

[Cuddlebug]

I, too, would wait to get the right stuff. The chins will just be greasy until then. It won't hurt them at all.

 

[starleomach]

I would wait a week will not hurt the chinchilla, they will just look a little greasy